Parkersburg, W.Va. 2/6/13 – Critically acclaimed group The Acting Company brings John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” to the WVU Parkersburg stage as part of the college’s Distinguished Performance Series. The performance takes place Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. in the College Activities Center.

“Of Mice and Men” tells the story of two California migrant ranch workers, George and Lennie, during the Great Depression. George, small and fast-talking, assumes the role of protector for the hulking, dimwitted Lennie, whose childlike love of petting soft things frequently gets him into trouble. Steinbeck’s Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning tale is directed by Ian Belknap.

The cast includes actors from some of the finest acting conservatories in the U.S., cast in New York and through Minneapolis’ Guthrie Theater Experience and its training program with the University of Minnesota. George is played by Jospeh Midyett who received his master of fine arts from University of Delaware. Lennie is played by Christopher Michael McFarland who received his master of fine arts from Yale School of Drama.

Founded by John Houseman and Margot Harley in 1972, The Acting Company has brought 138 productions to 49 states and 10 foreign countries earning a 2003 Tony for Excellence in Theater, Obies, Audelcos and Los Angeles Critics Circle Awards.

Tickets at the door are $10 for adults and $5 for students. WVU Parkersburg students may purchase special advance tickets for themselves and one guest for $2. Tickets are available in the college business office (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) or by calling 304-424-8223.

This performance is sponsored by the West Virginia Commission on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation.

Additional Program
The WVU Parkersburg faculty will also present “Exploring the Complex World of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men: A Panel Discussion” on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 4:30 p.m. in the college theatre. This event is free and the public is invited.